FOR RELEASE ON: July 7, 2023

Contact: Kent Prickett, CAE – TAPA Executive Director

Phone: 800.280.7655 

Email: info@tapa.org 

TAPA BOD Retreat and Community Service Project at Sacred Heart Children's Home in Laredo
Members of the incoming TAPA Board of Directors took a break from their annual retreat to give back to the Laredo community. 

LAREDO, Texas - The Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) incoming Board of Directors (BOD) took a step away from their patients and embarked on a unique retreat in the vibrant city of Laredo. More than a retreat, the gathering was a chance to give back to the community and educate the next generation about the diverse careers in the medical field. TAPA's BOD, along with members of the local Physician Assistant (PA) community, hosted an inspirational Career Day at the Sacred Heart Children's Home. The event was geared towards enlightening young minds about the importance of healthcare professions, particularly the role of PAs. 

"We wanted to provide an environment where learning is fun, where these children can see how important and exciting the field of healthcare can be," said the TAPA President, Janith Mills, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA. "Our mission goes beyond serving current & future PAs. It's about nurturing the next generation and fostering an understanding and appreciation for our profession."

In addition to the career day, the TAPA BOD donated backpacks filled with essential school supplies to the children of Sacred Heart. These tangible tokens not only serve the practical needs of the children but also reinforce their academic aspirations.

This retreat and service project showcased the dual mission of TAPA - to support and enhance the PA profession while positively impacting the communities in which its members live and work. TAPA remains committed to continuing such initiatives, making meaningful contributions to society, and inspiring the youth of today to become the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

The Sacred Heart Children’s Home is a long-standing institution in Laredo, Texas. For over a century, it has served as a refuge and a nurturing environment for hundreds of children in need. The home provides food, shelter, and education to its residents, ensuring they have a secure place to live and grow. For more information about the Sacred Heart Children’s Home, visit https://www.sacredheartchildrenhome.org

For more information about TAPA and their future events, visit www.tapa.org.

TAPA is the only statewide PA Organization committed to propelling the PA profession forward through proactive advocacy and development. With the unwavering dedication of our passionate volunteer leaders, we strive to enhance the well-being of every Texan. TAPA proudly represents the extensive PA community, including over 12,000 practicing PAs and numerous Pre-PA & PA students actively pursuing their dream of becoming a PA.

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Contact: Kent Prickett, CAE – TAPA Executive Director

Phone: 800.280.7655 

Email: info@tapa.org 

TAPA CONNECTS MIXER DRAWS OVER 50 PARTICIPANTS IN LAREDO, TX, FEATURING TEXAS REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD RAYMOND

Texas Representative Richard Raymond Joins Over 50 Participants at TAPA Connects Mixer in Laredo, TX, Underlining the Importance of PA Community Connection

The Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) hosted its successful ongoing series, "TAPA Connects," on June 22, 2023, at the UT Health Science Center Educational and Regional Campus in Laredo, Texas. The event drew an inspiring turnout, with over 50 attendees participating from various stages of the PA journey, including school faculty, practicing PAs, PA students, and Pre-PA students.

Among the esteemed guests, Texas Representative Richard Raymond was present to greet, welcome, and encourage the attendees. His inspiring words and support for the PA community greatly contributed to the uplifting atmosphere of the event.

Rep. Raymond, pictured with faculty and students from the UT Laredo Campus

"TAPA Connects" serves as a cornerstone initiative for TAPA, embodying the organization's commitment to fostering a strong, interconnected community of Physician Assistants across Texas. By creating opportunities for networking, mentorship, and mutual support, the program offers a vital touchpoint for professionals and students at various stages of their careers.

Janith Mills, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, TAPA's President and a proud native of Laredo, shared her personal connection and passion for the PA profession and TAPA's mission. "I am deeply proud to see the engagement and commitment from our PA community in Laredo," said Mills. "My ties to this place are deep and personal. My brother who worked as UT Police on the UT Laredo Campus was an ardent supporter of me and the PA profession.  He had a vision of seeing the PA school program grow and flourish.  I know he is very happy looking down on us to see his dream is coming to fruition with immense success”. 

Mills, whose term as President began on July 1, 2023, added, "As I step into my role as President of TAPA, I carry forward the mission of connecting and inspiring our PA community across Texas. Events like “TAPA Connects” Mixer are essential for our professional growth, fostering a strong community spirit, and maintaining a collaborative environment that elevates the PA profession. I am truly excited to lead TAPA in its future endeavors."

The Laredo mixer encapsulates the primary mission of "TAPA Connects" - to inspire, educate, and connect with PAs, PA Students, and Pre-PA students across the state. Attendees had the chance to network, share experiences, and discuss the future of the PA profession in an encouraging and open environment.

TAPA is excited by the success of the Laredo event and looks forward to hosting similar mixers in other communities across Texas. These events offer vital networking and educational opportunities for PA professionals and students, as well as an opportunity to meet with local leaders and legislators.

More information about TAPA and future "TAPA Connects" events can be found at www.TAPA.org.

TAPA is the only statewide PA Organization committed to propelling the PA profession forward through proactive advocacy and development. With the unwavering dedication of our passionate volunteer leaders, we strive to enhance the well-being of every Texan. TAPA proudly represents the extensive PA community, including over 12,000 practicing PAs and numerous Pre-PA & PA students actively pursuing their dream of becoming a PA.

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FOR RELEASE ON: July 1, 2023                    Contact: Kent Prickett, CAE – TAPA Executive Director

Phone: 800.280.7655 

Email: info@tapa.org 

TAPA ANNOUNCES ITS 2023-2024 LEADERSHIP

The Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) is excited to announce its 2023-2024 Leadership, effective July 1, 2023, the start of the 2023-2024 board year. These individuals volunteer their time to help further the mission of TAPA. 

The leadership is as follows: 

Elected Positions: 

President: Janith Mills, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA

President-Elect: Monica Foote Ward, MPAS, AT, PA-C, DFAAPA

Vice President: Sonali Weerasinghe, MPH, MPAS, PA-C

Immediate Past President: Ryan English, PA-C, MPAS

Secretary: Heather Davis-Lopez MPLC, MPAS, PA-C

Treasurer: Laura Lawrence, MPAS, PA-C

Director at Large: Steven Hunter, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, CPAAPA

Director at Large: Leticia Bland DHSc, MPAS, PA-C

Director at Large: Carolyn Bradley-Guidry, DrPH, MPAS, PA-C 

Director at Large: Tatiana Emanuel, DMSc, PA-C

Student Director: Connor Baze, PA-S

Committee Chairs:  

CME: Tammy Rawls, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI): Andre’lyn Williams, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C 

Finance: Laura Lawrence, MPAS, PA-C

Governance: Sonali Weerasinghe, MPH, MPAS, PA-C

Legislative Affairs: Katie DeLucia, MPAS, PA-C

Membership & Public Relations: Benito Lopez, BC-ADM, DMSc, PA-C

Nomination Task Force Workgroup: Monica Foote Ward, MPAS, AT, PA-C, DFAAPA

Student Affairs: Veronica Coleman, MPAS, PA-C

HOD Chief Delegate: Jessica Tung, JD, PA-C

Historian: Heather Davis-Lopez MPLC, MPAS, PA-C

Committee Vice Chairs:

CME: Saneese Stephen, MPAS, PA-C

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI): Jenni Jamison, PA-C

Finance: Timothy Wombacher, PA-C

Legislative Affairs: Katie McDonald, PA-C

Membership & Public Relations: Bailiegh Bostick, MPAS, PA-C

Student Affairs: Brianna Martinez, MPAS, PA-C

Vice Historian: Melinda Moore Gottschalk, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

The first Board of Directors Meeting will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2023, and will be streamed via Zoom.

More information about TAPA and its leadership can be found at www.TAPA.org.

TAPA is the only statewide PA Organization committed to propelling the PA profession forward through proactive advocacy and development. With the unwavering dedication of our passionate volunteer leaders, we strive to enhance the well-being of every Texan. TAPA proudly represents the extensive PA community, including over 12,000 practicing PAs and numerous Pre-PA & PA students actively pursuing their dream of becoming a PA.

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The Texas Academy of PAs (TAPA) issues a statement over the Overturning of Roe v. Wade.

AUSTIN, TX - In light of the US Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, TAPA maintains its stance that healthcare decisions must remain private between the healthcare provider and patient and that TAPA does not support any measures that threaten or impede the ability of individuals to get safe and appropriate healthcare.

The Texas Academy of Physician Assistants is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization leading PA organization in Texas that serves the profession through professional development, education, representation, legislative advocacy and a commitment to team-based care for the 11,000+/- Physician Assistants who serve as a vital resource to the medical community across the state of Texas.

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